LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. – Auburn’s own Jackson Koivun has won the Mark H. McCormack Medal as the top male player in the 2025 World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), the USGA announced Wednesday.
Koivun receives exemptions into next year’s 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills and the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale.
“It’s a huge honor to win this award,” Koivun said. “I’m very grateful to everyone who has helped me, and it’s a dream come true. It’s a medal every amateur golfer strives for. It’s in the back of everyone’s head, and you just try and fight and keep playing well. To be able to say I’m a McCormack Medal winner is just really, really cool.”
The two-time First Team All-American and back-to-back SEC Champion made waves as soon as he stepped on the college scene, leading Auburn to its first ever national title in men’s golf while also becoming the first man in the history of the sport to sweep all three national player of the year awards (Haskins, Hogan, Nicklaus) in addition to the national freshman of the year award (Mickelson).
Following an outstanding sophomore season, Koivun became the third man to automatically earn PGA Tour status through the PGA Tour University Accelerated Program. He has deferred his membership at least until the completion of his third year of collegiate eligibility.
In six starts on Tour this calendar year, Koivun has made five cuts, including an active streak of three consecutive finishes inside the top 11. He delivered a career-best performance in early August at the Wyndham Championship, shooting 14-under-par to finish tied for fifth place.
In September, Koivun is set to become the third Auburn player to represent the United States at the Walker Cup, joining Lee Williams (2003, 2005) and Blayne Barber (2011). The 2025 edition of the esteemed event is set for Sept. 6-7 at Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, California.